UN Envoy announces the restoration of a nationwide cessation of hostilities in Yemen

New York - The United Nations Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, announced the resumption of a comprehensive Cessation of Hostilities in Yemen. The Special Envoy has received assurances from all Yemeni parties of their recommitment to the Terms and Conditions of the Cessation of Hostilities of 10 April 2016, which will re-enter into force at 12:00 Yemen time on 19 November 2016, for an initial period of 48hours which will be renewed automatically if respected.

The Special Envoy welcomes the restoration of the Cessation of Hostilities, which is necessary to avoid further bloodshed and destruction and should allow for the expanded delivery of humanitarian assistance. He calls upon all Yemeni parties, the region and the international community to encourage full respect for the Cessation of Hostilities and to ensure that it leads to a permanent and lasting end to the conflict. The Special Envoy welcomes the commitments he has received from both sides to reactivate the De-escalation and Coordination Committee (DCC) and to deploy its members to Dhahran Al Janoub. The members of the DCC will work alongside UN experts who have already deployed to restart the DCC’s work in support of the Cessation of Hostilities.

The Special Envoy reminds all Yemeni parties that the Terms and Conditions of the Cessation of Hostilities include an obligation to allow free and unhindered access for humanitarian supplies and personnel to all parts of Yemen, in addition to a full and comprehensive halt to military activities of any kind.